ICC Cricket World Cup 2011: Sachin Tendulkar’s 47th ODI Ton Predictable against England

By Sreelata S. Yellamrazu

    Anyone who saw Sachin Tendulkar as India went through the national anthem knew something special was on the cards. The manner in which he merely resolutely acknowledged the crowd without the pomp and bravado that usually accompanies teams suggested that Tendulkar felt he had a job he had to do. And it would seem he did precisely that against England in their encounter in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

        England were going to struggle once they lost the force in both their bankable fast bowlers in James Anderson and Stuart Broad. After impressing immensely during England’s Australia tour and Ashes, Anderson had not acclimatized to the job in the sub continent and it was evident once more in his bowling in the match against India. To his defense, the fact that Anderson tried but failed to dislodge Virender Sehwag at the crease may have also affected his confidence, as Sehwag rode his luck. With Broad pulling in sick, England’s options were already limited and Tim Bresnan’s late overs burst was too late in the context of things for England.

 

          The situation was ripe for easy pickings. All it needed was a little bit of concentration and a great deal of application. And masters do not come as often as the likes of Sachin Tendulkar. So subtle was Tendulkar right through his innings, that the flashiness of Sehwag stood out as did the belligerence of Yuvraj Singh and even Gautam Gambhir to an extent. But it was easy to look sight of the fact that the sublime magnificence of Sachin Tendulakr was what lay the essence and foundation of the towering cake.

        Given England’s attack and their bleak attempts to bolster spin against India through the inclusion of Michael Yardy, the stage almost set itself for a fiery performance from India, and they did not disappoint, although the end was rather tame and anti climatic. However, it still leaves India health with 338 runs to their name and unless England can pull out of the magic hat a dynamite of an innings, even with a bit of mediocre bowling, one thought think India were safe in this contest. To think that one man’s superior experience and quiet determination could give India that advantage merely underlines why India’s best chance at another World Cup trophy is when Sachin Tendulkar is around.